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'Zinc cream' stops fruit burning
15 Mar 2004
Queensland scientists have developed a "zinc cream" for fruit which they hope will stop the sun damaging developing avocados, apples and other fruit. The product is a type of non-toxic white clay, known by its brand name Surround. It's washed off easily and leaves no odour or bad after-taste.
A researcher from Queensland's Department of Primary Industries and Forestry said Surround is currently being used on thousands of acres in the US. It promises to boost yields and cut water use in orchards. He said growers also get more fruit set and bigger fruit, and there's a potential to reduce pesticide usage.
Surround appears to clog up the chemical sensors which insects rely on to home in on fruit aromas. It repels insects such as fruit flies, mites and leaf hoppers.
The Courier-Mail, 15/3/04, page 5.
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